Enjoy free shipping during the holidays! Shop now and get
Free Value Shipping
on most orders over $49 to the contiguous 48 states, DC and to all U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses.
Enjoy Our Extended FREE RETURNS
We want to ensure that making a return is as easy as possible! With our Hassle-Free, Extended
Holiday Returns, eligible orders placed from November 12, 2025 on will benefit from an extended
return deadline (January 13, 2026 or 30 days after receipt of your order - whichever is later).
We'll even cover the cost of return shipping. Learn more about our
Return Policy.
Please Enable Your Browser's Cookies Functionality
Cookies are not currently enabled in your browser, and due to this the functionality of our site will be severely restricted.
Web browser based cookies allow us to customize our site for you, save items in your cart,
and provide you with a great experience when shopping OpticsPlanet.
Your privacy is important to us, and any personal information you supply to us is kept strictly confidential.
If you cannot enable cookies in your browser, please contact us — we are always here to help!
JavaScript is blocked by AdBlocker or ScriptBlocker
We're sorry - it looks like some elements of OpticsPlanet are being disabled by your AdBlocker.
Unfortunately we are unable to offer our excellent shopping experience without JavaScript.
Please add "opticsplanet.com" and "https://opl.0ps.us/assets-ac483a73966/" to whitelist,
or disable AdBlocker for this site (please note that we do NOT feature any annoying ads on this website).
Thanks!
Your Browser is Outdated
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an excellent shopping experience on your browser because it lacks modern functionality needed for us
to provide a fast, secure, and enjoyable experience. If you cannot upgrade your browser or use an alternative device to visit us,
please contact us at +1-800-504-5897 and we'll be happy to assist you over the phone!
tyler's Review of Athlon Optics Ares 15-45x65ED Spotting Scope
Well I was finally able to put the Ares to a field test and a comparison against vortex diamondback and viper HD. Though lower magnification and objective size the Ares IMO blew the diamondback out of the water and was better than the viper too at comparable zooms. Low light max zoom was the one lowlight of the Ares at near dark and 45 power you can notice it does get darker right around 35x which I presume is from the smaller objective. From 15 to 35x at lowlight I was able to get crisp photos and good color. Personally I see this scope as a cheaper version of the old vortex razor. Not being able to compare it directly makes it hard to tell but having compared the razor to the viper I would say the two are quite similar. the large eyeglass is nice for looking through but is a tight fit for my Carson phone adapter. So far I am pleased with the Athlon on its first badlands hunt.
Pros:
quick focus
nice glass/clear
Compact, reasonable weight
Cons:
darker at high zoom
Would Recommend:
Yes
7 of 8 found the following review helpful.
Was it helpful to you? Yes|No
You said this review was not helpful.
Would you like to change your vote?